CANCER OF THE THROAT

Cancer of the Throat is cancer of the vocal cords, voice box (larynx), or other areas of the throat. Recently, the world lost Ghana President, Atta Mills to this deadly disease. Atta-Mills who is said to have been suffering from throat cancer, died in the capital, Accra, few hours after been taken ill on July 24, 2012.

And according to studies, there is a long list of famous people who died of Cancer of the Throat both locally and internationally. In this report, CELEBRITY BUZZ brings to you the causes, symptoms and treatment of Cancer of the Throat

CAUSES

People who smoke or use tobacco are at risk of developing throat cancer. Excessive alcohol use also increases risk. Smoking and drinking alcohol combined lead to an increased risk for throat cancers. Most cancers of the throat develop in adults older than 50. Men are 10 times more likely than women to develop throat cancers.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of the cancer depend mainly on the size and location of the tumor. Common symptoms include:

• A hoarse voice or other voice changes for more than 3 weeks
• A sore throat or trouble swallowing for more than 6 weeks
• A lump in the neck
• Cough
• Coughing up blood
• Neck pain
• Trouble breathing
• Unintentional weight loss

EXAMS AND TESTS

The doctor will perform a physical exam. This may show a lump on the outside of the neck.The doctor may look in your throat or nose using a flexible tube with a small camera at the end.

Other may include:

• Biopsy of suspected tumor
• Chest x-ray
• CT scan of chest
• CT scan of head and neck
• MRI of the head or neck

TREATMENT

The goal of treatment is to completely remove the cancer and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body.

When the tumor is small, either surgery or radiation therapy alone can be used to remove the tumor.

When the tumor is larger or has spread to lymph nodes in the neck, a combination of radiation and chemotherapy is often used to preserve the voice box.

Some patients need surgery to remove the tumor, including all or part of the vocal cords (laryngectomy). If you have a laryngectomy, speech therapy can help you learn other ways to talk.

Many patients also need swallowing therapy after treatment to help them adjust to the changes in the structure of the throat.

 

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